Caramelized Onion and Apple Tarts with Gruyere and Thyme

Every Thanksgiving celebration needs an easy and elegant appetizer to keep guests satisfied until the main event. This recipe is just the thing: simple, pretty and delicious, with caramelized onions, apples and grated Gruyère cheese atop store-bought puff pastry. Cheers to a memorable and delicious holiday gathering!

Caramelized Onion and Apple Tarts with Gruyere and Thyme

2 Tbs. vegetable oil

1 1/2 lb. yellow onions, halved and thinly sliced

1 tsp. kosher salt, plus more, to taste

2 Tbs. unsalted butter

1 lb. tart apples, peeled and sliced 1/8 inch thick

1 tsp. sugar

1 1/2 oz. aged Gruyère cheese, coarsely grated

2 Tbs. minced fresh chives

1 tsp. chopped fresh thyme

1/8 tsp. freshly ground pepper, plus more, to taste

1 package (1 lb.) frozen puff pastry dough, thawed

1 egg, beaten with 2 Tbs. water

In a large fry pan over medium heat, warm the oil. Add the onions and the 1 tsp. salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden brown, about 30 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl and let the filling cool to room temperature.

Position 1 rack in the upper third and 1 rack in the lower third of an oven and preheat to 400°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

In the same pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the apples and sugar and stir to coat the apples. Cook, stirring, until the apples are just starting to caramelize and have softened, about 10 minutes. Transfer to the bowl with the onions and stir in the cheese, chives, thyme and the 1/8 tsp. pepper.

Cut the puff pastry into 2-inch squares and place on the prepared baking sheets, spacing the squares about 1 inch apart. Brush the pastry squares with the egg mixture and place a heaping 1 Tbs. filling in the center of each square. Season with salt and pepper.

Bake, rotating the baking sheets from top to bottom and front to back halfway through baking, until the pastry is crisp underneath and golden brown on top, about 25 minutes. Transfer the baking sheets to wire racks and let the tarts cool to room temperature. Serve at room temperature. Makes 32 tarts.